Lyon President Promises Side Will Be Competitive in Ligue 1

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has reassured the club’s fans that Les Gones will be competitive this season.

Financial pressures have forced Lyon to make do with what they already have rather than bolster the squad in the summer transfer window, while several star names have been linked with moves away from the Stade Gerland.

And with Paris Saint-Germain splashing the cash, the club’s faithful have almost written off a title challenge before a ball has been kicked.

Aulas however is still positive over Lyon’s chances and has pointed to the club’s victory over Montpellier, 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, to win the season curtain raiser, the Champions Trophy, as evidence.

"We will have at least as good a team as last season", said Aulas.

"I think it will be even better, because beyond the value of the players, we’ll return to the values developed by Montpellier last year.

"We won the Champions Trophy without Lisandro Lopez, Dejan Lovren, and we will keep a very strong backbone."